The Battle of Lepanto (litho)

The Battle of Lepanto. The battle of Lepanto was of immense political importance. The Turkish naval power was given a blow from which it never recovered, and the aggression of the Turks in the Eastern Mediterranean was stopped. This engagement is also historically interesting, as it is the last example of an encounter on a large scale between fleets of galleys. Lepanto might also be called the last Crusade, as every noble family in Spain and Italy was represented in the Christian fleet. Volunteers came from all parts of Europe, and tradition relates that Sir Richard Grenville was among them. Illustration for Hutchinson's History of the Nations (Hutchinson, c.1920). Note: Image has been digitally enhanced to facilitate repro.